Claire King to leave Coronation Street

Coronation Street has announced that Claire King is to depart the cobbles after three years.

The actress joined the ITV soap’s cast to play Erica Holroyd in 2014 with the character being introduced to viewers as Liz McDonald’s (Beverley Callard) friend from Spain.

Erica initially featured in the saga on a recurring basis before becoming a more permanent fixture on the street. She has since become a firm favourite with fans, ITV claim, forming an unlikely friendship with Mary (Patti Clare) and taming resident lothario Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin).

“It’s been a dream come true to tread those famous cobbles. I was only meant to stay for 6 weeks initially so for Erica to be so popular that she stayed for 3 years and even worked in the Rovers was a real to compliment to me as an actress. I’ve had such a great time with the cast and crew so its fabulous that they have left the door open for Erica to return in the future – who knows what adventures she’ll be getting up away from the Street – she’s certainly not boring! As for me I’m ready for another challenge. I’m not leaving the screens anytime soon, so watch this space.” – Claire King

Corrie’s official web presence notes that Claire has chosen to leave to pursue other projects. She is best known for her roles in two other long-running ITV productions, as Kim Tate in dales saga Emmerdale and Karen Betts in prison drama Bad Girls. ITV will be keeping a lid on how Erica will bow out for now but she will be on screen until August, they say.

“Claire is a wonderful actress and we’ve loved having her on the show. She’s been a great addition to the cast and we wish her every success in the future.” – Kieran Roberts, Coronation Street Executive Producer